Chapter 253: Execution by beating with a stick
Chen Liqin’s fingers trembled slightly beneath his robe sleeves.
His long-awaited son had returned home, only to be assigned a space amidst a pile of clutter.
It was not just Zhang Zhuo who was outraged; how could Chen Liqin himself be unaware of the oddities involved? And how could he not be angry? However, given the situation, spreading word about the matter would be of no benefit.
As the saying goes, "Family shame should not be spread abroad." Letting others know would only add to the ridicule of the Confucian scholars. As for Chen Ji, the only thing Chen Liqin could do was to think of a way to compensate him afterward; for now, he must not make a fuss about it.
Outside the gate of Tingquan Garden, Chen Liqin looked at the bricks and tiles filling the courtyard. After a moment of thought, he ordered the servant, "Bring the housekeeper to me, I must ask him what this is all about. How could such a simple task go wrong! The Lady clearly arranged for Chen Ji to stay in Mingquan Garden, so why was Chen Ji brought here to Tingquan Garden?"
"Yes," the servant said with a tense expression and bowed his head before walking away.
Zhang Xia sensed something amiss and quickly tugged at Zhang Zhuo’s sleeve in secret, whispering, "Father, be careful. He might tip off the housekeeper to align their stories and cover up the matter."
Zhang Zhuo stroked his beard and called out loudly, "Servant, come back!"
The servant was taken aback, "Does Lord Zhang have any orders?"
"Just wait here," Zhang Zhuo turned to Zhang Xia, "Daughter, go find any servant and get the housekeeper to come here."
Zhang Xia complied and ran off swiftly.